CoxHealth evolves visitor policy

CoxHealth is changing its visitor policy in line with decreasing levels of COVID-19 in the area.

Starting Monday, May 17, inpatients may have one visitor per day between the hours of 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in most areas of CoxHealth’s hospital facilities, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the health system’s ICUs and Step-Down Units. Specific guidelines vary for some departments, including NICU, Pediatrics, Labor and Delivery, Emergency Departments, Clinics, Psychiatric units, COVID-19 units, and for end-of-life care. Those exceptions may be seen here.

While only one person may visit per day, the person who visits may change from one day to the next. Visitors are also allowed to leave the facility and return in the same day.

“Our Incident Command team has closely monitored local prevalence of COVID-19, and given that the number of cases has been much lower over the past few months, we feel that this adjustment is warranted,” says Karen Kramer, CoxHealth’s Incident Commander for COVID-19 response. “The restrictions we’ve had in place are not ones we have enjoyed, but felt they were necessary to help control the spread of disease in our communities. We are glad that local disease prevalence is low enough that patients can now have more access to loved ones during their time with us.”

Visitors must be at least 18 years old, remain masked at all times while on campus, pass a temperature and symptom screening when entering the facility, and limit their movement to the patient’s room and the public restrooms. They must also wash their hands when entering and leaving a patient’s room, are not allowed to eat in patient rooms, and are strongly encouraged to remain at least six feet away from the patient they are visiting.

“Given that COVID-19 pandemic is fluid, we will continue to closely monitor the situation and make future changes in line with how things evolve,” says Kramer. “We greatly appreciate the patience and understanding of our visitors and patients throughout this time.”

To stay up-to-date on CoxHealth’s visitor policy, click here.